Would you like to travel to a destination of breathtakingly beautiful and lush scenery surrounded by a brilliant blue sea? If you enjoy spending time at the beach or outdoors, consider the Virgin Islands for your next trip. While it's the perfect getaway, there are many islands to consider. So which is the best Virgin Island for you?
The Virgin Islands are made up of thousands of small islands, but there are seven main islands that attract most tourists. The area itself is divided into two territories: the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Although the islands are quite similar, each territory belongs to a different country.
In this article…
- American Virgin Islands
- St. John: for the nature-loving adventurer
- St. Thomas: for adventure or relaxation
- St. Croix: for history and nature lovers
- The British Virgin Islands
- Virgin Gorda: Experience a day trip to a historic site
- Jost Van Dyke: The Perfect Cold Weather Journey
- Anegada: to relax and unwind in a secluded area
- Tortola: From Distilleries to Stunning Views
American Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands consist of St. Thomas, st. John and St. Croix. These islands are packed with culture and activities, making them perfect for families, couples and singles. People can relax and sunbathe while listening to the waves crash on the beach or zoom through the forest at high speed for a touch of adventure.
St. John: for the nature-loving adventurer
St. JohannesIt is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands. But despite its size, there's no shortage of things to do. Tourists can explore dozens of beaches, bays and hiking trails. If you like nature, you can visit itVirgin Islands National Park. There you can enjoy wildlife and protected marine life. The island is home to dolphins, green turtles and migratory birds.
Hikers will fall in love with themRam Head Trail. This is a 2.5 mile hike in the national park. The trail itself is not exceptionally strenuous, but the views are spectacular. After your day in the park, you can visit Salt Pond Bay at the end of the hike.
St. John has excellent dive sites including the clear blue waters of Honeymoon Bay. For more adventure, visit Trunk Bay for an offbeat underwater nature trail.
St. Thomas: for adventure or relaxation
MichSan Thomas IslandIt is always a popular cruise ship destination.Saint ThomasIt's known for its plentiful shopping, clear blue waters and white sandy beaches. Ships typically dock in Charlotte Amalie - the city's capital - set amid beautiful forested mountain peaks. At the port there are sights and shops.
The impressive selection of boutiques includes shops and a wide range of fine jewellery.
St. Thomas contains one of the most spectacular beaches in the world: Magens Bay. This beach has soft white sand that feels like sugar between your toes. Impressive mountains surround the beach, which is located in a crescent-shaped area of the island. Tucked away and sheltered, this area has a calm tide perfect for relaxing and swimming.
If you're feeling adventurous, you'll appreciate the hiking trail nearbyMagen's Bay. It has 75 miles of trails at the top of the slopes. You can also kayak on Cos Cay, where you can paddle while keeping an eye out for sea turtles and other wildlife. You can also jet ski to St. John's Bay and swim with sea lions or dolphins.
If you like history, you will want to explore itCharlotte Amalie, The capital. There are relics of 17th century colonial life combined with a bit of island charm and modernity. You can also climb the historic 99 steps for panoramic city views.
If you are hungry, the island offers countless beach bars and restaurants serving local cuisine. Seaside cuisine makes dining even more memorable.
St. Croix: for history and nature lovers
St. Croixit is the largest Virgin Island in the United States. It contains some of the most spectacular snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. If you like these activities you will want to goBuck Island Reef-Nationalpark.St. Croix contains acres of underwater trails where you can explore the seabed and see colorful coral reefs.
For scuba diving, you can also visit Cane Bay, located on the northern tip of the island. There you will find seahorses, eels and turtles. Cane Bay is popular with cruisers looking for a relaxing, slow-paced holiday.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refugeallows you to see endangered species such as sea turtles. Between April and September, the area provides a nesting site for hatchlings and turtles. This area remains completely untouched by man.
If you like history you should visit itChristiansted. Christiansted is a Danish-influenced island town with an 18th-century fortress called Fort Christiansvaern. It is a very popular island destination.
Visitors can also visit the Frederiksted historical site which has theMuseum des Kunstzentrums.
If you like sitting on the sand and sunbathing, thenRainbow BeachIt is a must. Here you can enjoy local music, amazing food and a beautiful beach to relax on.
The British Virgin Islands
The British side of the islands has fantastic white sand beaches and a relaxing climate. Every island has something unique to offer.
Virgin Gorda: Experience a day trip to a historic site
Virgin Gorda is another area that visitors can take advantage of for a short day trip from Tortola. This island can be reached by a short 30 minute ferry ride. The legend of this area says that Christopher Columbus named the island Virgin Gorda because its shape resembled a woman.
This small island contains stunning secluded beaches flanked by sugary sand. It is also home to the Virgin Gorda Baths, granite boulders that are over 1,000 years old. They surround the beach where tourists can dive into transcendent waters and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Jost Van Dyke: The Perfect Cold Weather Journey
This island is just a short boat ride from Tortola. Although the site is only three square miles long, it's packed with activities, beaches, and restaurants. The Grand Harbor contains beach bars and local seafood restaurants.
This area has a more relaxed and chilled vibe. This makes it a wonderful day trip from the island of Tortola. Visitors will see many yachts lounging at sea as this is a popular area for this activity.
The most impressive spot is White Bay, a white sandy beach shaded by coconut trees. It offers an amazing panoramic tour that you will never forget.
Anegada: to relax and unwind in a secluded area
Anegada is a small volcanic island. Being very low, it is known for its impressive coral reefs. Known for its quaint and old-world charm, visitors will appreciate this area for its peaceful retreat.
Although this area is not well known, it is famous for its secluded beaches such as Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Bay.
Heightless, clear springs gush from their coral beds. Animal-wise, visitors will love the pink flamingos, abundant wildlife and extensive marine life. The best nature trail on the island is Bones Bight.
Tortola: From Distilleries to Stunning Views
Tortola is the largest of these four islands. It contains several amazing beaches but the highlight is Smuggler's Cove, famous for its white sand. If you like surfing, you can visit Apple Bay, one of the best spots in the Caribbean for surfing.
Crusaders will love the history of Tortola Distillery in Cane Garden Bay. This is the placeCallwoodRumbrennerei, which dates back 400 years. It is the oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Cane Garden Bay offers lounging on the beach with a drink in hand and plenty of beautiful views.
When it comes to scuba diving, Tortola is the jumping off point if you want to visit the RMS Rhone wreck. The RMS Rhone sank in the 19th century due to a strong hurricane. As a result, the ship remained lying on the seabed. Visitors can also drive to Mount Sage for panoramic views of the island, or experience nature while ziplining through the trees.
Visitors can also go to the capitalBritish Virgin Islands, Road Town, for swimming, diving and windsurfing. You can climb Mount Sage for a panorama of the sprawling, lush islands accompanied by breathtaking vistas of the sea.
What activities you enjoy doing will determine which is the best virgin island to visit for you. Most activities range from relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea, outdoor adventures, nature walks, visiting wildlife and visiting historical sites. There's certainly no shortage of things to do in the Virgin Islands.
Also read:The 10 Best Eastern Caribbean Cruise Ports You Must Visit
When you're done exploring or relaxing on the sandy beaches, you can enjoy the island's storied culinary culture. The cuisine has a local flavor surrounded by panoramic views no matter where you are on the islands. Visiting this destination offers you everything you could wish for accompanied by an experience you will never forget.
FAQs
Is St. Thomas or St. Croix better? ›
Thomas is more popular with travelers who like history, who want nightlife, or who want a lot of options for their dining and activities. What is this? St. Croix is more popular with those who are interested in tranquility, relaxing on secluded beaches, and natural activities like hiking.
Which US Virgin Island has the prettiest beaches? ›Some of the best beaches in the US Virgin Islands can be found on the island of St. John and its northern shore. St. John is known for having some of the world's most protected beaches in the world.
What is the most popular US Virgin Island? ›Popular with cruise ships, St. Thomas is the busiest and most commercialized of the three islands. It also has a reputation for being more upscale, with plenty of duty-free shopping, high-end dining, and golf.
What is the most luxurious Virgin Island? ›Thomas. The recent recipient of a $100 million makeover, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is the island's most luxurious resort. Set out over 30 beachfront acres right on Turquoise Bay, this paradise is only about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Which US Virgin Island is the most affordable? ›The cheapest Virgin Island to stay at is St. Thomas as it has the largest airport, most conveniences, public transit, and many options for stay. See our guide to where to stay on St. Thomas.
Which is the safest US Virgin Island? ›Which US Virgin Island is the safest? Of the three US Virgin Islands, St. John has the lowest crime rate.
Which Virgin island has the clearest water? ›Magen's Bay
Located on the north side of the island, a sugary mile of white sand lines a heart shaped bay with crystal clear waters. Magen's Bay is part of the U.S.V.I. national park system and the government charges a small entry fee of $5 per person to maintain the area.
If you plan to visit St. Thomas and St. John, I recommend spending one week in the US Virgin Islands. With 7 days, you have 2 days for travel time plus 5 days on the islands, which is plenty of time to visit the beaches, go snorkeling or take a boat cruise, and do a little hiking.
Which is the quietest US Virgin Island? ›The pool at the luxury villa Eco Serendib in St. John, the smallest (and quietest) of the US Virgin Islands.
Which Virgin Island is easiest to get to? ›The easiest of the U.S. Virgin Islands to reach, St. Thomas is both the gateway to St. John and St. Croix and a beloved vacation destination in its own right.
Is St. Croix worth a visit? ›
St. Croix is worth visiting for an idyllic Caribbean destination featuring pristine, white-sand beaches, crystal blue waters, cultural experiences, and plenty of rum drinks at the local tiki bar. American citizens won't be needing a passport, either, making it one of the easiest Caribbean islands to visit.
Is St. Thomas worth it? ›One of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is famous for superb beaches, resorts, watersports, and shopping, as well as for its rich history and culture. Additionally, it's a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding islands, making it a great romantic vacation or honeymoon destination in the Caribbean.
Which is nicer US or British Virgin Islands? ›Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas), meaning you will find the culture and customs of the two island groups similar but distinctive. The British Virgin Islands are known for being laid back and relaxed, whereas the U.S. Virgin Islands are generally considered more family friendly.
Which Virgin Island has the best food? ›Savant, St.
Croix is known as the foodie capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, it's only fitting to start your culinary tour at Savant, located on the island near the historic Fort Christiansvaern.
It is extremely popular and often teeming with activity. The archipelago of St. Thomas is among the most stunningly gorgeous islands worldwide, with something for everybody, and the resorts in the Virgin Islands are worth the price.
How to get from St. Thomas to St Croix? ›Take a short seaplane ride, or take the ferry from St. Croix to St. Thomas. If you don't like to travel by water, you can hop flights from many commuter airlines offering service to these and other neighboring islands in the Caribbean.
What are the best months to visit St. Thomas Virgin Islands? ›The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is April to June, when you can expect mild weather and very little rainfall. In the USVI's peak season, from December to March, the temperature ranges from the mid-70s to high 80s with breezy evenings.
Which Caribbean island is best value for money? ›On average, you can say The Dominican Republic is the cheapest Caribbean island to visit if you are searching for value-for-money all-inclusive deals. The most costly places to visit in the sunny Caribbean are St. Barthelemy and Anguilla.
Where is the clearest water in the U.S. Virgin Islands? ›Magen's Bay
Located on the north side of the island, a sugary mile of white sand lines a heart shaped bay with crystal clear waters. Magen's Bay is part of the U.S.V.I. national park system and the government charges a small entry fee of $5 per person to maintain the area.
The easiest of the U.S. Virgin Islands to reach, St. Thomas is both the gateway to St. John and St. Croix and a beloved vacation destination in its own right.
Is U.S. Virgin Islands worth visiting? ›
It is extremely popular and often teeming with activity. The archipelago of St. Thomas is among the most stunningly gorgeous islands worldwide, with something for everybody, and the resorts in the Virgin Islands are worth the price.
What is the number 1 beach in the Caribbean? ›Consistently voted the best beach in the Caribbean, White Bay is located on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands.
Which US Virgin Island has the best night life? ›St. Thomas has the best nightlife in the Virgin Islands! Many bars and clubs play a mixture of popular Caribbean music and American hits. In Havensight has many bars and restaurants, often with all kinds of music playing, live bands, TV's for watching sports, pool tables.
What is special about Tortola? ›Tortola is one of the British Virgin Islands. It is known for its beaches with clear water, coral reefs, panoramic views, great harbor, and hiking trails. There are also shops and restaurants in the area. People go there for the day to enjoy the scenery and the amenities.
When should I go to the US Virgin Islands? ›The best time of the year to visit the US Virgin Islands is mid-April through June as the dry season ends, hotel and resort/villa rates drop, and the average temperatures are mild. Additionally, peak tourism season has ended and the region's hurricane season hasn't started.